The Vatican on Thursday opened the most solemn period of Holy Week with a recovering Pope Francis largely on the sidelines, as cardinals were designated to take his place presiding over the most important liturgical services leading up to Easter.

Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis, visited Rome’s Regina Coeli prison as part of efforts to mark Holy Thursday. Francis has always observed the tradition since the beginning of his pontificate. While unable to celebrate this year’s liturgy of the Lord’s Supper and the Washing of the Feet,